Family inclusion rules vary widely across investment migration programs, and understanding them is critical for planning relocation and citizenship.
• Malta (MPRP) – Covers up to four generations: spouse, children (including unmarried adult children under 29 who are dependent), parents, grandparents, and in some cases great-grandparents. Investment: €375,000 property or €14,000 annual lease, plus government/admin fees. Temporary residence card allows relocation and school enrollment during processing (6–12 months). Citizenship after 4 years of residence out of the last six. • Sierra Leone (Go for Gold) – Includes spouse, children under 18, parents, grandparents; extended options for siblings, adult children, and business partners. Main applicant: $65,000 + 1 kg gold; fast-track citizenship $140,000 in 60–90 days. Passport provides ECOWAS mobility (15 West African countries) and access to 66 destinations. • Portugal Golden Visa – Covers spouse, children under 18 (up to 25 if dependent/unmarried), and parents/parents-in-law (65+). Real estate no longer qualifying after 2023; minimum investment €500,000. Government fees: €6,050 initial, €3,023 renewal per person. Citizenship extended to 10 years for non-EU/non-CPLP nationals. • Greece – Covers three generations; parents and parents-in-law with no age or financial dependency limit; children up to 21 (24 if students). Investment minimum varies by region (€250,000–800,000), citizenship after 7 years of tax residence. • Other programs – Hungary, Russia, Italy, Mauritius, Malaysia all provide different dependent coverage, investment thresholds, and residency/citizenship timelines. For example, Mauritius allows immediate PR with spouse, children, and parents included; fast-track naturalization in 2–7 years depending on investment and residence. Malaysia’s MM2H includes parents/parents-in-law over 60 and children up to 34 under certain tiers.
Takeaway: When choosing a residency or citizenship program, evaluate how many generations and dependents are covered, associated fees, investment thresholds, physical presence requirements, and citizenship timelines, as these factors can dramatically affect the true cost and practicality of relocating a family.
